Spenco In My Step

For the past two weeks now, I have enjoyed every bit of all my short runs sans the pain. What has made all the difference? Nope, it wasn’t Dr. Pribut’s ultra conservative recovery program (I heard knee clicks and experienced soreness even with the gradual progression from walking to running) nor my self-discipline, patience, or unwavering faith in the gods of running. It was Spenco.

– Spenco Orthotic Arch (Full Length) sitting comfortably in my beloved Wave Creations -

Yes. Believe it or not, a pair of arch supports have brought me back into running. It was Dr. Canlas who—after I consulted in absolute desperation and depression two weeks ago (which I intentionally did not share over here because I was mad, mad, MAD!)—told me quite simply that all I needed were arch supports and motion-control shoes. He even added, to make me feel better or hmm maybe worse, that my 2-month abstinence from running was completely uneccesary. I could’ve ran continuously had I just learned about this magical solution early on!

No use crying over spilled milk. I am a much more positive person now that I’m getting my daily dose of regular runs. Why, you’ll even notice me running with a new Spenco…I mean, spring…in my step.

Posted on 03.27.08 to 04 Gear & Product Reviews. Tags: arch support, Spenco. Subscribe to follow comments on this post. 14 comments. Add your thoughts or trackback from your own site.

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14 Responses to “Spenco In My Step”

1. Hmmm interesting post, are these available here? how much?

   ninoylist said on Mar 27 08 at 10:22 PM Reply
   

2. wow. i like! mukhang medyo wumawarning signs ang right heel ko kasi namamanhd!

   marga said on Mar 27 08 at 11:11 PM Reply
   

3. That’s why I don’t run in Wave Creations anymore. As a pronator I need a little more support. Too bad cause I loved them. Great news. Remember to replace the Spenco’s regularly.

   rick said on Mar 28 08 at 12:16 AM Reply
   

4. huh? arch supports lang?? i won’t say anything more lest i fuel the fire hehe. anyway, i’m glad you’re running again, with a spring in your step to boot.

   Meeya said on Mar 28 08 at 2:01 AM Reply
   

5. so, there’s no knee injury after all? That there is nothing structurally wrong with your knee is really great news. Watch out, the bullrunner is BACK!!! i’m sorry but i was laughing when your post got to the mad, mad, MAD part, was imagining the bull huffing and getting ready to charge the matador (dr. canlas). anyway, ilabas mo na lang galit mo sa mizuno run on sunday. Here’s to the rest of the 2008 races with the bullrunner!!! Cheers!!!

   Levy said on Mar 28 08 at 6:36 AM Reply
   

6. Ninoylist, I got mine at Athlete’s Foot. P1800.

   Marga, better to consult with a doctor first.

   Rick, I can’t let go of my wave creations! I tried other shoes but nothing compares. A running coach told me yesterday though that I don’t have to buy those motion control shoes just yet as long as I correct my gait. Just what I wanted to hear! Pretty soon though, I’ll still buy another shoe to alternate the WC with. Just don’t know what. Decision decisions.

   Meeya, unbelievable noh?! Yeah, I don’t want to dwell on the lost time and the weight gained! I’m just thankful I can run again.

   Levy, my overpronation (and the lack of support from the shoe) caused the knee problems. With the soreness gone, I’m now working on fixing my gait and form so that this doesn’t happen again. I didn’t really show Dr. Canlas I was mad—I’m kinda scared of him so I tried my best to remain good natured that day! haha

   bullrunner said on Mar 28 08 at 7:20 AM Reply
   

7. Motion control shoes are the last resort shoe wise, next up is custom orthotics. They can be heavy and clunky. There are other shoes out there that have a little built in support but not as over built as motion control shoes. The Asics Gel Kayano comes to mind, same price point as the Wave Creations, then again maybe you’ve tried these already. If that’s too expensive, as I found out having bought a few pairs, look for the cheaper models with built in “support” but not motion control. Good luck.

   rick gaston said on Mar 28 08 at 7:59 AM Reply
   

8. Jaymie i feel so guilty for not shareing with you what you discovered about Orthotics support. Ive been using Orthotics for almost 10 years + it really helped fix my nagging foot injurie. It really helped me a lot but pls dont think it’s the Miracle cure for your injurie. Core build up and Streaching are still major factors to full or partial recovery. I suggest you get at least 2 or 3 pairs so you can alternate and wash it. Good luck to your full recovery . hope to see you on the road soon. – runningshield

   patrick concepcion said on Mar 28 08 at 8:31 AM Reply
   

9. Arch support lang pala solution eh. : ) Happy for you. So will you be running at the Mizuno infinity run? My wife finally agreed to go with me but she’ll just be there to support. Hopefully get to do a 1:15 to 1:18 finishing time for the 15km. Tricky part is at the finish line where I have to be all smiles as she takes my pic. : )

   Btw, Im disposing of my Garmin 305 Foot pod. Im rotating two shoes now (trainer and racer) so I got the newer model from Amazon. Im selling it for only 1500. It for stride count with the gps on. Ideally you want to have 180 strides a minute or 90 per leg. Its also used when your indoors running on a treadmill or areas near buildings with weak or no gps signal.

   markfb said on Mar 28 08 at 11:46 AM Reply
   

10. wow all the wealth of information here! need guidance though, do those have to be prescribed or the mizuno staff (or asics) advise usage of orthotics based on their reading of our arch type?… how bout for semi flat types?… and please tell me guys, do i need to somehow get a running coach to read my running style to get solid advise?… i’ve had pains before but am not sure if i get it from running or from the daily activities and wrong shoe type for non running activities…oh well, just one of the reasons i miss running thursdays at the fort…

    mond said on Mar 28 08 at 2:03 PM Reply
    

11. good for you you’re running again coz i’m not…does spenco do shoulder protective sleeves?

    hitme64 said on Mar 28 08 at 3:33 PM Reply
    

12. nice! i’ve been checking your site since i started running 2 months ago and have enjoyed each visit. and i’ve been using spenco too (stress fracture – i’m flatfooted). they really help a lot! anyway, i’ve only joined 2 races so far:GIG run and PIA but I hope to join another one again soon. more power!

    galeypie said on Mar 31 08 at 8:57 PM Reply
    

13. Hi Bullrunner,

    Was wondering if you could help me find a place here in Manila where I can buy Spenco (or any brand) gel heel cups (or any arch support, shoe insert product) to help treat/relieve my Plantar Fasciitis?

    Thank you.

    Jojo G said on Apr 16 09 at 1:22 AM Reply